Players like Jackson, too

While some Raiders playes reacted stronger than others — punter Shane Lechler blasted owner Al Davis on TV and said he was frantically calling team executives for an explanation — it will all blow over.

“It’s a business,” said quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, who was really tight with Cable.

Offensive tackle Robert Gallery said “it hit hard because the players really respected Cable.” But Gallery and even Lechler could come around. Not because they have to, but because offensive coordinator Hue Jackson was a big part of the team’s best season since 2002 and they can still feel like they’re building off that when he takes over.

But there’s a bigger reason why Davis knew he wouldn’t face a mutiny.

While the players responded well to Cable, most of them really like Jackson, too. He came from Baltimore and made as big an impression on the practice field as on game day, when the Raiders scored 213 more points than in 2009.

His energy and trash-talking to defensive players was a highlight of training camp, and Jackson made a point to get to know all the players — not just the offensive ones. Before each game, he could be seen during warmups going player to player, offering a quick pep talk followed by a jab to the chest, handshake or pat on the back.

Jackson often called Davis “Coach Davis,” and for all we know Davis called him “Coach Jackson” back all season.